Is Delta Beginning a Downward Spiral?

Is Delta Beginning a Downward Spiral?

06-05-2006, 02:44 AM

#1 (permalink)

rbattelle

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Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Dayton, OH Posts: 10,062 Old Reader's Rigs Gallery

Is Delta Beginning a Downward Spiral?

Delta was purchased in 2004 by Black & Decker. As a result, I've been fearing that Delta quality might take a nose dive. Well, I'm afraid it might be happening. I have this saw that I bought 2 years ago. Mine looks almost nothing like this one, except for the part number.

I noticed it in Lowes a couple weeks ago and thought "no way that can't be the same model as mine", but it turns out it is. This thing looks like a TOY compared to mine. Thinner metal all around, for example. Mine weighs 55 lb, this latest version weighs 46 lb! I cannot believe it! Plus it goes for $299 and the absolute cheapest internet deal I could find on mine 2 years ago was $330.

Even the rotation angle gauge is an el-cheapo strip of metal with printed numbers. My angle gauge is cast into the base.

Is this just a preview of things to come from Delta? I also have a DP400 drill press from them...at least that one looks the same still (same weight, too). I notice they've dropped the "Shopmaster" line too.

Alas, I'm thinking I need to avoid Delta power tools from now on.

On edit: had the weight of my saw wrong at 75 lb. I think mine only weighs 55 lb.

-Ryan

__________________
2003 3500 QC SRW SWB 4X4 3.73 HO/NV5600. Built 2/28/03.
Isspro boost, oil press., oil temp, post-turbo EGT, Wet Okole seat covers, Line-X, Integral OBD-II, Fastcoolers, DSG Idler, Custom Fuel System
@80188 mi/ 2302hr, 19.1 mpg

Last edited by rbattelle; 06-05-2006 at 03:23 AM.. Reason: Fixed a weight error...

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